Pre-Christmas Retreat

We know how easy it is to get consumed on the run up to the festive season; deadlines for work, parties, visiting, clubs and kids school events all add to the pressure. Whilst we are down in the melee we can forget to catch up with friends new and old.

It got me thinking, why not getaway before the silly season starts. Whisk away with a few good friends for a bit of pampering, a good dose of relaxation, plenty of giggles and a touch of indulgence.  Discover our special packages to build your own retreat.

Both cottages have some brilliant pressie shopping with vibrant independent high streets full of great gifting ideas, so you can cross off some of those hard to find presents too.

We look forward to welcoming you on the run up to Christmas.

Rainy days on Mondays

This past week has been challenging for many reasons. The biblical doses of rainfall, alongside high winds , road closures, lost keys, and inspections.

Monday was my scheduled judges inspection at Elsie's cottage, for the tourism awards, and what better day! A months rainfall in a day, flooded roads, as well as promised road closures. Whilst I was adding a few finishing touches it struck me that whatever the weather all guests deserve to arrive to an inviting, special home.

As an owner It hurts if we fall below that expectation, which is why your feedback matters so much. Putting things right is not just about fixing things, it is also about how its dealt with.

On a recent holiday the toilet broke in our hotel room. There were apologies, and the plumber had to get into the room early in the morning- which happened to be on my birthday. It was out of action for 18 hrs, all in all, not great. But, I know as an owner these things happen.

Unfortunately the lack of any acknowledgement - even simply a complimentary drink, was pretty staggering, and meant I left feeling a little aggrieved.Which is what I want to avoid for our guests. So please, please tell us if something isn't right. Thank you 🙏

We know how easy it is to get consumed by  the everyday; deadlines for work, weekly chores, school run etc. Whilst we are down in the melee we can forget to look ahead, at our calendars and plan the good stuff.

I'm a fine one to talk - I am rubbish at planning my holidays - but as an owner of Anchor and Elsies cottage I do book my own stays in them. Lucky me you might say - but it inevitably ends up with a paintbrush in hand and a toolbox in the car. All the same I do really enjoy my stays in both, and leave with lots of new ideas on how to make them better.

It has prompted me to book other little stays away. Home is definitely a wonderful sanctuary, but it does invite us to work. There's always an itinerary of cleaning, fixing, weeding or projects to consume our time, with less and less opportunity to just relax and switch off.

So here's me urging you to get some dates to look forward to in your diaries, not just the birthdays and anniversaries - although just those would be a start! I think 6 week windows  until the next little treat is a good rule.  I realise that might not stretch to a stay away - but a day with friends somewhere new, a day retreat to relax or crafty workshop to try something new, are all amazing ways to re-charge and unwind.

Grab your diaries and get planning. It is amazing how much it will lift your spirits to have something to kook forward to.

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